MATHEMATICS GRADE 7 William M. Garry
The seventh grade mathematics program builds on the structure and methods developed in the previous year. The content of course both in the selection of topics and in the style and language in which they are presented closely parallels and extends the sixth grade program. Thus, fundamental concepts and processes are reinforced. The changes in the seventh grade program center on the level of presentation, material, and the level of testing. In seventh grade more emphasis is put on higher level thinking skills and the process that goes into solving a problem. Included in this, is a vision that students will learn to value and become confident in their mathematical ability. The chief thrust of the seventh grade program is to have students master all basic computation skills and to lead them into the direction of mathematical reasoning and processing. This will be emphasized with mathematical communication, (student to student discourse), and various means of exploring problem solving using real life problems and technology. The degree of success achieved at this level determines in a large measure whether a student will continue his or her mathematics education in Math 8 or Algebra in eighth grade.
In keeping with the academic honesty policy, the work that any student brings to class should be his or her own, irrespective of whether it is being collected or graded.
MATH 7 SEQUENCE
A. Integers
-Basic operations.
B. Expressions and Algebraic Equations
-Properties of addition and multiplication
-Multi-step equations
C. Solving Algebraic word problems
D. Geometry
- Tessellations and M.C. Escher
-Discovering Π
-Erastosthenes discovery of earth’s circumference
E. Statistics
-% Problem
F. Operations with Decimals
G. Number Theory
-golden ratio
H. Operations with Rational Numbers
I. Ratio, Proportion and Percent
-Percent project
J. Graphing on the Cartesian Plan
Assessment
Assessments are made up of tests, (100 points and they are all to be signed), quizzes (< 50 points) and project work (40-100 points). Homework is not graded every day, but will be collected occasionally and accounted for on a daily basis. If you do not have homework on the due date a homework point will be deducted from your extra credit points. Adding up all student points and dividing by the total number of possible points for a precise average determine a student’s grade. The Blow pop question of the week is also an important part of the curriculum and is counted as extra credit. Each semester there is a possibility for 24+ extra credit points which can be added to any test score.
ExtraHelp
Extra help is given every day during the assigned extra help block and after school on appointment until March.
How to be successful in 7th grade math:
1)Do your practice (HW) every night and be a good partner in class.
2)Accurately correct your HW either with the class or with your partner. If you get it wrong, don’t just settle….find out WHY!
3)Everyday be proactive and involved in the learning process. Ask questions whenever you need too!
4)Always take neat and accurate notes. And if that is not your best skill, then print out a complete copy from cosmic every day.
5)Show concern for what you do….. it will always make a difference!
6)Use extra help if you need it.
7)Study,study,study…….for tests and announced quizzes.
What you need for class:
A RESPECT FOR LEARNING, YOUR CLASSMATES AND YOURSELF
1)open, inquisitive mind
2)Note outlines will be provided; you need a folder to organize them!
3)Work paper ( Not SCRAP!) of some kind that is easy to hand in.(loose leaf etc..)
4)pencil or erasable pen
Daily class procedure:
1)Enter room on time and get set for class when the door shuts.
2)notebook out, pencil, hw out
3)Look on the Do now board and follow the simple step-by-step plan of what to do. It will always tell you what to do and what to expect that day.
4)When finished with the Do Nows get ready for the days lesson.
If you are absent:
1)Always check Schoology as complete notes , homework, and learning aides(how to’s, hw help, tutorials) will be available everyday
Grading:
You will be given many quizzes this year. Some will be announced some will not. They are usually of a 4- 50 point value. Tests are always announced and are 100 point value. ALL TESTS WILL ALWAYS BE SIGNED!!! Averages are determined by dividing the points that you have accumulated by the total number of points possible to get a precise average. HW work is given a point value every term out of 50 points dependent on its completion.
Some other stuff you should know:
Math in seventh grade is different then in past years. While basic skills are still assessed and important, they are now merely the tool used to begin the study of real mathematics. We will spend much of our time solving application type problems that will require the most important thing about mathematics….thinking skills. The trick here is to understand that this might come more easily to some than to others. Do not get discouraged if it takes you a little longer, or requires a little more help. Be positive, ask questions, and ask me for help… that is why I am here.